Maha Kumbh comes alive ahead of first Shahi Snan: 'I’ve never seen anything like this!'

Priests perform 'Ganga Aarti' at a 'ghat' ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj. (PTI Photo)

Prayagraj is transforming into a bustling hub of spirituality, culture, and economic activity as it gears up for the grand spectacle of Maha Kumbh 2025, which begins with the first holy dip (Shahi Snan) on January 13. Over the next 45 days, the city will host the largest human congregation on earth, drawing an estimated 40 to 45 crore pilgrims.

The Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge, is at the heart of this grand spectacle. Pilgrims believe that a dip in these holy waters during the auspicious period cleanses them of sins and paves the way to salvation. "The Maha Kumbh Mela is not just a religious gathering but a transformative experience," said Acharya Ramkishore Tiwari, a spiritual leader. "It is where faith meets divinity."

Anticipation fills the air as devotees and sadhus eagerly await the Shahi Snan. Sushila Devi, a 56-year-old pilgrim from Kanpur, shared her excitement: "I have waited for years to experience this holy moment. Just the thought of stepping into the Sangam’s waters brings tears to my eyes."

Naga sadhus, known for their austere lifestyle, are particularly enthusiastic. Swami Gyananand Puri, a Naga sadhu from Juna Akhara, expressed, "The Shahi Snan is a time when we connect with the divine in its purest form. We prepare for months, meditating and fasting, to make the most of this sacred occasion."

Another Naga sadhu, Baba Trilokanath Giri, added, "The Sangam is calling us. The energy here is beyond words. We are not just bathing in water; we are immersing ourselves in divine blessings."

At the heart of this grand celebration lies the belief in spiritual purification. According to Hindu tradition, a dip in the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati during this auspicious period is believed to absolve sins and pave the path to salvation. The origins of the Kumbh are steeped in the Puranic tale of the Samudra Manthan, where drops of divine nectar (amrita) spilled at four locations—Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain—sanctifying these sites forever.

The Shahi Snan is the highlight of the Kumbh, with ascetics from 13 akharas (Hindu monastic orders) leading colorful and elaborate processions to the Sangam. Dressed in saffron robes, adorned with rudraksh malas, and carrying ceremonial tridents, the sadhus march amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev.”

“Taking the Shahi Snan is a moment of spiritual ecstasy,” said Mahant Anand Giri of the Niranjani Akhara. “It signifies the cleansing of the soul and a connection with the divine.”

The scale of preparations is monumental. Over 4,000 hectares along the riverbanks have been converted into a massive tent city, equipped to accommodate millions. The area is dotted with 150,000 tents, ranging from basic dormitories to luxurious Swiss cottages, complete with air conditioning and private restrooms.

“This is a city within a city,” said Karan Kapoor, a project manager overseeing the tent city. “We have ensured clean drinking water, 24/7 electricity, and medical facilities to provide a seamless experience for pilgrims.”

To maintain hygiene, the authorities have set up over 145,000 temporary toilets, alongside an efficient waste disposal system. The ghats, cleaned daily, shimmer under festive lighting, creating a magical ambiance.

Voices from the ground

The tent city is a kaleidoscope of activity, with cultural performances, kirtans, and spiritual discourses creating a festive atmosphere. The ghats are lined with stalls offering everything from hot jalebis to herbal tea.

The energy in the city is infectious. Meera Devi, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Varanasi, said, “I’ve been saving for years to come here. Just being at the Sangam fills me with peace and hope.”

Arti Sharma, a teenage tea seller near the ghats, said, “The pilgrims will love my masala chai. During the Kumbh, I believe I will sell over 500 cups a day!” She has come from Bihar to help her father. Her whole family—mother, uncle, aunt, and brother—have set up stalls selling flowers and memorabilia. “This mela is huge,” she said, expanding her arms to show the magnitude of the event. She has not met her mother for two days as her mother’s stall is set up almost 5 kilometers from the ghat.

Vendors and local businesses are equally excited. Ramesh Gupta, who sells devotional items, said, “Kumbh is the time when our livelihoods thrive. I’ve stocked special rudraksh beads, diyas, and Ganga jal containers. People come here not just for faith but to take home a piece of it.”

Foreign tourists are also drawn to the spectacle. “I’ve never seen anything like this!,” said Jane Thompson, a traveler from Australia. “The devotion, the colors, the energy—it’s overwhelming and beautiful.”

Security and technology: A modern Kumbh

Safety is a top priority. More than 40,000 police personnel, supported by paramilitary forces, have been deployed to manage crowds. Advanced technology, including AI-enabled surveillance systems and drones, will monitor the movement of people and vehicles.

Pontoon bridges—30 in total—have been constructed across the rivers to ensure smooth access to the ghats. “This is not just an event; it’s a massive logistical challenge,” said Additional Director General of Police Arvind Sharma. “We are confident our arrangements will ensure a safe and secure Kumbh for all.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has been personally overseeing preparations, highlighted the Kumbh’s significance. “The Maha Kumbh is not just a festival; it’s a symbol of India’s spiritual strength and cultural unity,” he said. “Our focus has been on making this event grand, inclusive, and safe for everyone.”

Road ahead

The Indian Railways has introduced 98 special trains, while thousands of buses will operate to ferry pilgrims. Medical teams, disaster response units, and volunteers are stationed across the city to handle emergencies.